Ground-water resources of Benson and Pierce Counties, north-central North Dakota

The purpose of this investigation is to provide information about the ground-water resources in Benson and Pierce Counties that is sufficient for planning the safe and intelligent development of water supplies for irrigation, domestic, stock, industrial, and municipal purposes.  The investigation is part of a statewide program to determine the location and extent of ground-water aquifers; to evaluate the occurrence and movement of ground water within the aquifers, including sources of recharge and discharge; to determine potential yields to wells developed in the aquifers; and to determine the chemical quality of ground water.

Benson and Pierce Counties cover an area of 2,512 square miles in north-central North Dakota.  This study, which began in July 1967 and was completed in June 1971, was made cooperatively by the U.S. Geological Survey, the North Dakota State Water Commission, the North Dakota Geological Survey, and the Benson and Pierce Counties Water Management Districts.  This interim report presents only the major conclusions of the study.